Ariz. gov wants early primary 'if at all possible'

By PAUL DAVENPORT | September 2, 2011 | 2:45 AM EDT

PHOENIX (AP) — Seeking to draw attention to Arizona's concerns, Gov. Jan Brewer said she'd like her state to have an earlier 2012 presidential primary "if at all possible," but that she remains open to an alternative such as having Republican candidates debate in the state.

Brewer spoke briefly with reporters Thursday evening, two days before a Saturday deadline for her to act if she decides to move up the Feb. 28 primary to Jan. 31 as she has said she may do.

Republican National Committee rules prohibit Arizona and other states from moving up their primaries ahead of caucuses and primaries now scheduled in February by Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

An earlier primary date for Arizona would likely trigger a stampede by early caucus and primary states to move up their contests into January to stay up front.

Brewer said an earlier primary would better highlight Arizona and issues of concern to the state's residents. But she added that a debate held in the state could also highlight candidates' positions on those concerns.

"I would like an early primary if at all possible. I think that kind of highlights Arizona a lot more," she said. "But depending on what we can negotiate as far as what's good for Arizona and what's good for the country as a whole ... I'm open."

A former Republican Party state chairman said earlier Thursday that the debate alternative remained on the table.

"That's pretty much it," former chairman Randy Pullen said when asked whether topics other than hosting a debate in Arizona were being discussed as alternatives to moving up the primary date.

Brewer disclosed in July that she's considering moving up the primary from Feb. 28 to Jan. 31 to get the state and its concerns more attention. Her office said Monday that having GOP candidates debate in Arizona might achieve the same purpose.